adjective

1. of, for, or from the whole or all; not particular or local a general anesthetic, the general welfare
2. of, for, or applying to a whole genus, kind, class, order, or race the general classifications of matter
3. existing or occurring extensively; common; widespread a general unrest
4. most common; usual the general spelling of a word
5. concerned with the main or overall features; lacking in details; not specific the general features of a plan
6. not precise; vague to speak in general terms
7. senior or highest in rank an attorney general
8. not connected with or limited to one branch or department of learning, business, etc.; not specialized a general store

Etymology: ME < OFr < L generalis < genus (gen. generis), kind, class: see genus

noun

1. the main or overall fact, condition, idea, etc.
2. the head of some religious orders
3. Archaic the public; populace
4. 1. any of various military officers ranking above a colonel; specif., U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force such an officer, with an insignia of four stars, ranking above a lieutenant general
   2. U.S. Marine Corps an officer of the highest rank
5. an anesthetic that makes a patient unconscious
   in full general anesthetic